Regan Tucker told Gravenhurst council how she’s “concerned” the lifeguards at Gull Lake Rotary Park make $17.12, only 57 cents above minimum wage.
The 17-year-old spoke during the July 16 council meeting.
She said she was born and raised in Gravenhurst and has been a lifeguard at the park for the past two summers along with working at the YMCA in Gravenhurst since 2022.
Tucker explained the beach at Gull Lake Rotary Park is the only one with lifeguards, which makes it a popular place for families. “We know the regular kids that show up every afternoon,” she added.
In her presentation to council, Tucker outlined the town’s parks attendants make $18.12.
“Don’t get me wrong, I bet they do fantastic work, and they are dealing with [picking up] garbage but I feel our job is a little bit more stressful and we don’t deserve to be the lowest paid town employees,” said Tucker.
She highlighted the hours of training lifeguards must go through to become certified, adding how it costs them upwards of $1,000.
Among her responsibilities is cleaning up the beach, which she does during her free time. Tucker added she also works on lesson plans and report cards after her shift ends.
“I don’t know how my shift is going to go,” continued Tucker. “I could end up jumping in the water, pulling out a child, performing CPR, and they may not make it. I would have to go home living with what else I could have done.”
Gravenhurst’s Mayor Heidi Lorenz thanked Tucker for the presentation, but pointed out council doesn’t decide how much town employees make. She said Elaine Harkiss-Laird, senior manager of human resources, decides that and the discussion may continue when council begins working on its 2025 budget.
